Asphalt Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of asphalt needed for your project and convert between cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons. Get instant results and helpful insights for your construction planning.
How to Use This Asphalt Volume Calculator
Asphalt Volume Calculator Guide
Understanding Asphalt Measurements
Asphalt is typically measured by weight (tons or tonnes) rather than volume. This calculator converts your project dimensions into both volume and weight to help you order the right amount of material.
Key Factors:
-
Density
Asphalt typically weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot (2,322 kg/m³).
-
Compaction
Asphalt is compacted during installation, affecting the final volume needed.
-
Thickness
Proper thickness is crucial for durability and load-bearing capacity.
Recommended Asphalt Thickness
| Application | Recommended Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Driveway | 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) | Suitable for light vehicles |
| Commercial Driveway | 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) | For heavier traffic |
| Parking Lot | 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) | Standard commercial use |
| Heavy-Duty Parking | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) | For trucks and heavy equipment |
| Roadway | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) | Depends on traffic volume |
Asphalt Pavement Layers
Additional Considerations
A proper base of 4-8 inches of crushed stone or gravel is recommended beneath the asphalt.
Add 5-10% extra material to account for waste, spillage, and uneven surfaces.
Asphalt compacts by about 20% during installation, which is factored into our calculations.
Asphalt costs typically range from $100-$200 per ton installed, depending on your location and project specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate asphalt volume, multiply the length by width by thickness of your project area. For example, a driveway measuring 40 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 3 inches (0.25 feet) thick would require 40 × 12 × 0.25 = 120 cubic feet of asphalt.
For metric calculations, ensure all measurements are in the same unit (typically meters) before multiplying.
To convert cubic feet of asphalt to tons, multiply the volume by the density of asphalt (approximately 145 pounds per cubic foot) and divide by 2000 (pounds per ton). For example, 120 cubic feet × 145 pounds/cubic foot ÷ 2000 = 8.7 tons.
For metric calculations, the density of asphalt is approximately 2,322 kg/m³, and you would divide by 1000 to convert to tonnes.
One ton of asphalt is approximately 0.5 cubic yards. This conversion varies slightly depending on the specific mix and density of the asphalt, but 0.5 cubic yards per ton is a standard industry conversion factor.
To convert from tons to cubic yards, multiply the weight in tons by 0.5. For example, 10 tons of asphalt would be approximately 5 cubic yards.
For residential driveways, 2-3 inches of asphalt is typically recommended. For commercial driveways and parking lots, 3-4 inches is standard. For roadways and areas with heavy traffic, 4-6 inches is recommended. These thicknesses assume a proper base of 4-8 inches of crushed stone or gravel.
The appropriate thickness depends on several factors including climate, soil conditions, and expected traffic load. In colder climates with freeze-thaw cycles, thicker asphalt may be necessary.
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on industry-standard formulas and conversion factors. It uses a density of 145 pounds per cubic foot (2,322 kg/m³) for asphalt, which is the typical density for hot mix asphalt.
For precise project planning, we recommend adding a 5-10% waste factor to account for spillage, compaction variations, and uneven surfaces. For large projects, consulting with a professional contractor is advised.
Related Calculators
Need Help With Your Project?
For larger projects or professional assistance, consider contacting a local asphalt contractor for a detailed quote.
Request a Quote